Socio-Ecosystem Studies on Mangrove Forests

Charcoal Industry and Primary Productivity of Secondary Stands

Abstract

In Ranong province, southern Thailand, the biomass and net primary production of secondary mangrove forest stands were estimated and compared with the amount of mangrove wood used for the charcoal industry. Using the naturally regenerated mangrove stands, the net primary production was calculated by the allometric equation and the summation method. The wood amount used for the charcoal factory in Ranong province was calculated from the kiln volume, the burning frequency, and the wood packing capacity of the kilns. The balance between the biological production and the human utilization is discussed concerning the secondary mangrove forests.